It’s not always possible to tell whether a testicle cancer has spread from one part of the body to the other. Thankfully, treatment options for testicular cancer vary depending on the location and extent of the cancer. Localized testicular cancer has a five-year survival rate of 99 percent, while distant cancers only have a 73 percent 5-year survival rate. Surgical treatment for testicular cancer typically involves removing the affected testicle and some surrounding lymph nodes. After surgery, doctors will determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body and will devise a treatment plan accordingly.
There are other symptoms associated with testicular cancer, ranging from back pain to pain in the belly. The pain you feel depends on the stage of the cancer. Stage 1 cancer can be detected with self-examination, while stage 3 symptoms usually coincide with symptoms of cancer in other parts of the body. People suffering from stage 3 cancer generally seek medical attention to treat their symptoms and to reduce the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
Surgery can remove the affected testicle and any associated lymph nodes. For seminoma testicular cancer, doctors may perform a radical inguinal orchiectomy. This procedure removes the tumor, testicle, and spermatic cord, which may be used as a pathway for the cancer. Postoperative follow-up is a continuous process, involving regular blood tests, CT scans, and tumor markers tests. Chemotherapy is often used for non-seminoma testicular cancer.
If you suspect you have testicular cancer, you should visit a urologist immediately. Although the disease can spread quickly, it is curable if diagnosed early. A doctor will ask you about your medical history and examine the scrotum, belly, lymph nodes, and other body parts for signs of the cancer. In addition, the testicle is removed and examined under a microscope to diagnose the cancer.
Testicular cancer symptoms can include a firm lump, painless swelling, or fluid in the testicle. Some individuals may also develop a dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum. Fluid in the testicles may also indicate that a testicular tumor is present. Further symptoms of testicular cancer include breast enlargement, lower back pain, and numbness in the affected area.
The most common type of testicular cancer is a germ cell tumor, which develops from germ cells. Seminomas are usually nonseminomatous, but some men may develop a combination of both types. Seminomas secrete human chorionic gonadotropin, but nonseminomatous tumors produce no such markers. In addition, men who develop a seminoma are more likely to develop testicular cancer than those without it.
Self-examination of testicles is an easy way to screen for cancer. Every month, men should conduct a testicular self-examination to check for any abnormalities. Performing a TSE on their testicles once or twice a month is the best way to catch the disease early. The best time to do this is when the testicles are warm from a bath or shower. This makes it easier for them to feel and identify any lumps.
